How to Install Mozilla Thunderbird 135 on Any Linux Distros

Mozilla Thunderbird, a popular free and open-source email, calendar, and contact management client, has released its latest version, Thunderbird 135, on February 5, 2025. This cross-platform application is designed to efficiently manage multiple email accounts and news feeds, and the new update brings a host of improvements and new capabilities.

Thunderbird 135 comes packed with enhancements, focusing on performance, security, and user experience. Key features include:

• XZ Packaging for Linux Binaries: Linux users will benefit from smaller download file sizes and faster unpacking thanks to the adoption of XZ packaging. This also ensures better integration with modern Linux distributions.
• Cookie Store Support: The introduction of cookieStoreId specification when creating a space offers enhanced cookie management for add-on developers.
• OpenPGP Key Improvements: Importing OpenPGP keys is now more robust with the ability to ignore unsupported subkeys and signatures, improving compatibility.
• OAuth2 for CardDAV: Security is strengthened with CardDAV address books and calendars now utilizing the same secure OAuth2 authentication protocol as email accounts.
• UI & UX Refinements: Users will notice updated preferences for missed reminders, improved handling of attachments, and various user interface fixes, making the application more user-friendly.
• Security Enhancements: Addressing 12 security vulnerabilities, Thunderbird 135 reinforces user protection against potential threats.
• Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements: Numerous bugs have been addressed, enhancing stability and reliability across various functions, including folder compaction, POP3 support, account setup, address book management, message list sorting, and calendar event handling.

For users looking to install or upgrade to Thunderbird 135 on Linux, several methods are available. While many Linux distributions include Thunderbird in their default repositories, these versions may not be the latest. To ensure you're running version 135, you can choose between using a PPA for Ubuntu-based systems or the Snap Store for universal Linux compatibility.

Installation Options on Linux:

• Default System Repositories: Install using your distribution's package manager (APT, DNF, Emerge, APK, Pacman, Zypper, PKG). This is suitable for general use but might not provide the latest version.

• PPA (Ubuntu & Derivatives): For Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and other Debian-based distributions, the Mozilla team's PPA offers the newest version. Use the following commands:

  Bash

  sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-mozilla-daily/ppa
  sudo apt update
  sudo apt install thunderbird
  

• Snap Store (All Linux Distributions): Snap provides a distribution-agnostic method to install the latest Thunderbird. Use these commands:

  Bash

  sudo snap find thunderbird
  sudo snap install thunderbird
  

• Official Binaries: For direct downloads, visit the Thunderbird Download Page and select "Thunderbird Release" to get the official binaries.

Users of the official binaries can update to the newest release directly within the application by navigating to Help → About Mozilla Thunderbird → Update Now.

With Thunderbird 135, users can expect a more secure, faster, and user-friendly email client, reinforcing Thunderbird's position as a leading open-source email solution focused on user privacy and continuous improvement.